Wed. 6/27: Watching out for migrant kids with one eye, watching out for SNAP with the other.

The draconian House farm bill that would have destroyed endangered species, land conservation efforts, small-scale farmers and food-stamp recipients passed the U.S. House of Representatives 213 to 211, with every House Democrat and 20 Republicans voting against it. Really, it was that bad.

Now the Senate has their own version (S. 3042) that has passed out of committee and awaits a floor vote. It appears to have gotten rid of the worst parts of the House bill, but we need to keep on eye on SNAP.

Why is SNAP such a big deal?

Because 1 in 8 Americans use SNAP benefits to afford food, which is HUGE! Use this handy interactive chart to see what the percentage is in your state. (CA is 1:10. Louisiana is 1:5, TX is 1:7, most of the southern states are 1:6.)

Who are they? Well, most are white. And most have children, disabled or elderly people in their households.

Despite demonstration of profound need across all demographics, House Republicans wen ahead and drastically cut SNAP/CalFresh (AKA food stamps) from the Farm Bill (H.R. 2) on June 21, and this week the action moved to the Senate, with an expected vote by Friday, June 29.

SNAP helps put food on the table for people struggling to find work, low-income families with children, veterans, and seniors. This is a five-year authorization bill; we must lock in this critical part of the safety net that millions depend on.